Trauma, Post-migration Factors, and Ulysses Syndrome in Refugees in Host Countries

Post-migratory factors related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Ulysses syndrome were analyzed. Fifty-six adult refugees (31.57% women) with protection measures were evaluated using the Post Migration Living Difficulties and the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire. Refugees had been exposed to a mean of 15.1 traumatic situations in conflict contexts. All of them had been in mortal danger. 32.1% had suffered episodes of torture, and 30.4% suffered from PTSD with a mean of 4.18 post-traumatic symptoms. No differences were found based on gender, nationality, or host country. Traumatic and torture episodes, living in institutionalized centers, working conditions, physical health, and social and family relationships influenced the presence of PTSD. Suffering associated with family separation, social status, and risks of physical integrity was detected, without these constituting a DSM-5 diagnosis of mental disorder but rather a case of migratory mourning in its extreme version or Ulysses syndrome.